In recent years, Google has been a big proponent of near-field communications. The technology hasn't taken off meaningfully, though, and it may be time for Big G to seek alternatives.

The innovative Bump app, which made its debut as a clever way to make short-range data transfers on Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS devices, has been available for five years now. Yet search giant Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) has just now acquired the small company for an undisclosed amount. Meanwhile, Big G just released its Google Wallet app for iOS, while notably removing the requirement to use near-field communications, or NFC.

Combined, these two moves could potentially signal that Google is losing interest in NFC, considering its slow adoption, and may be exploring other options for short-range data transfers.

In the following video, Erin Kennedy discusses Google's buy with Evan Niu, CFA, and Jamal Carnette.